Calling all Canines! 14th annual Boatyard Dog competition seeks entrants

The anticipation for the 14th Annual World Championship Boatyard Dog® Trials is building among canines and their adoring fans. Would you like to compete? Then Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Show organizers have some serious questions for you: Does your tail wag faster when you dream of cold ocean water? Does the applause of the crowd entice you to strut your stuff? In short, are you dog enough to compete in the World Championship Boatyard Dog Trials? If the answers are yes, then please cast your paw into the ring for a chance to stand up, sit down, and roll over before an adoring crowd.

A few choice slots are available for prospective contenders in the trials, which are to be held Sunday, August 14, at 10:30 a.m., as part of the Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Show (August 12-14, Rockland, Maine). Any well-behaved dog is eligible to apply, but preference will be given to dogs that work in a boatyard, crew on a boat, or direct operations of any kind on the waterfront (or think they do). Dogs (and their handlers) who are chosen for the quirky competition will navigate a tippy dock, fetch objects from the water, and participate in a "freestyle" event of their own creation that must incorporate a Frisbee.

Any dog that thinks they are crazy enough is encouraged to have his or her "person" submit a letter of interest, a flattering high-resolution image, and daytime contact information. Extra points will be given for humor; this is NOT a serious competition. Send by June 25, 2016, to byd@maineboats.com. Finalists will be notified by July 1. (For liability reasons, no pets will be allowed on show grounds except the field of predetermined trials competitors on Sunday only. Please plan accordingly.) See maineboats.com/boatshow for entry details.

The show appreciates the support of Boatyard Dog Trials sponsors Bell's Furry Friends Photography and Loyal Biscuit, and overall show sponsors Awlgrip/Interlux, Bangor Savings Bank, Epifanes, Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors magazine, Maine Made: America's Best, Port Harbor Marine, and USHarbors. The support of the City of Rockland is also much appreciated.

The Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors Show was founded in 2003 by Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors magazine. Held annually during early August in Rockland, Maine, the show attracts thousands of attendees from all over the country and world. Show hours: Friday, August 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday August 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m; and Sunday, August 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $12 at the gate, under 12 free. Advance tickets will be available for purchase online. For more information about the show, its exhibitors, and collaborative community events, visit maineboats.com/boatshow.